02/15/2001

As you step out of the Gateway onto the road leading into the city you seem
to be the only people about. This is a good thing though as Gateways have a
nasty habit of slicing anything that's in their way. And we're off! Like a
herd of turtles!

Wyntere follows the group out of the traveling void and pulls the hood of
her green cloak over her head. "Let's be careful, Katelynn. I really don't
wish to be a target here. And Aelgar sends shivers down my spine. I'll let
you lead, if you need backup, I'm here with the stole to pull power." Oh
yes, Wyntere is not a fool. And Mother's stole just says 'shoot me!' That's
why it's nice and covered up by her cloak.

Katelynn grimaces softly and nods to Wyntere. She doesn't much care for
this place, either. Mostly because it reminds her of home. Snobbish rich
folk everywhere, waste, strict cliquish lifestyles. Urg. That kind of thing
is why she didn't get married and settled down when she was younger. She
leaves her hood down where it is and heads towards the city, head held high
and note of importance in her step. The posture isn't odd to her, but the
attitude is. But, well, having been born and bred as a noble... this is
second nature to her. Even if she doesn't like it. Down to earth is just so
much more... human. Alright. First things first. Be obvious. The sight of a
troupe of Aes Sedai on the street will surely cause a stir. But that's what
they want. That will get them to the palace.

What? You think these people know an Aes Sedai when they see them? Unless
you're wearing your shawls (and have them visible) these people just think
you look like two wealthy women who are crazy cause they're walking when
anyone who's anyone rides. The streets unlike the road leading into them
are jam packed with people. The capital of Aelgar is a bustling merchant
hub after all, but you eventually do manage to make it to the palace where
the guards stop you (the gall!). "Names and purpose of visit." The captain
barely even glances up, instead poised to write on her list. She's been
doing this all day and she expect to do it for the rest of the day and the
day after that and.. well... it's her job and she's very jaded by now.
She's seen everyone come and go. You think she's going to be impressed by
fancy clothes and youthful faces? Ha!

Wyntere looks to the gaurds at the gate. Her blue eyes take in each of
them. "Wyntere Shar." She only gives her name. It's Katelynn's place to
give the other information. And no, this place isn't a nice place. People
adopt children only to make them slaves at 6. So Wyntere's under her shawl.
Her name is Wyntere; not Mother, not Asha'toh. She's outside the tower
where people like killing those high in power. Her cloak covers her stole.
And Ogiean you'll be standing behind her and Katelynn is in the lead as we
confront the palace gaurds asking for name and business.

This is actually Katelynn's first time here, but she's done her research.
She is wearing the shawl of the Green Ajah under her travelling cloak, and
her dress is nicer and new, compared to what she normally wears at the
Tower. She is also wearing earrings and bracelets, rather than just
Jessian's necklace and the Serpent ring. She knows what impresses here.
From speaking with people who hailed from the city, and from books. She
smiles to the guard, but for once doesn't let her eyes in on it. Too appear
too genuine is to be silly. "And I am Katelynn Verjah al'Caar, Aes Sedai."
She moves her right hand to hug her cloak around herself, the heavy gold
band carved into the shape of a serpent biting its own tail flashing in the
light. "We're here for an audience with the Princess." She eyes the guard
as if she is going to tolerate this affront of being stopped business, but
only because she's having a good day, lucky you.

Ogiean is just as calm as his companions, having spent years of his life on
the road and come to the decision that people around the world are all the
same, they just look different. He decides he had better give his name. He
looks one of the guards in the eye. "I am Ogiean al'Tucci," he states
simply before casting his gaze down. He casually starts dusting off his
brown jacket and brreches.

The captain arches her eyebrow at Kate and hmmmms softly. "Is the Princess
expecting you?" Heh. She writes their names down in her notes, glancing up
at the sun to check the time as well.

Wyntere looks to the gaurds and nods. "She is, but do not tell her I am
here. I gave my name to you as is proper. But I'd like to surprise her with
my presence. Telling her Katelynn Sedai is here should be enough to admit
us." Wyntere's tone is very serious in this matter. "I thank you for your
willingness to help me in my surprise." Wyntere pulls her cloak tighter and
the flash of a serpant ring appears.

Katelynn smiles wryly at the captain. "Probably." Kyleigh is not stupid.
She can't have thought that they wouldn't come looking for her. Especially
when her life is threatened. She can't think they don't have ways of
getting information like that. Otherwise, how could the Tower possibly do
all it does? She glances back to Wyntere and then to the guard, waiting for
her to let them in, already. Yeap. It's becoming that infamous Aes Sedai
gaze. The one that makes everyone nervous. I don't care how nice a person a
Sister is, she learned how to do that if she was trained at the White
Tower. It's just... there.

Ogiean folds his arms and decides to stay quiet. Let the two women handle
the guards with their gazes that can cut through stone. Thinking back to
his meeting with Wyntere he hunkers down slightly. Those women could get a
statue to dance for them if they stared hard enough. I wonder what the
inside of the palace will be like...

If only Ogiean knew what wyntere can do.

You like Trollocs?

Don't make me get my shotgun.

Well there aren't any Trollocs inside the palace. Just a cactus novice and
firey Gaidin, and a creep prince trying to kill them. :P The captain just
look at the 3 of them, and then gestures for them to follow. Then she turns
and leads them through the opulent and winding corridors of the palace to a
sitting room in the guest wing where they can wait. Then she vanishes,
leaving them to wait, alone.

Shotguns can't kill my trollocs.

There are no shotguns in the WoT!!

Yet.

May I suggest Balefire?

Balefire might...work?

There are too shotguns. I got it from the little known country of Texasco.
It's 200 miles east of the Aiel waste.

Shotguns are lame.

Wyntere follows the gaurds very quietly to the sitting room where she finds
a window to stand and look outside. Well, not much she can do now.
"Katelynn, you set? Be gentle with her. Perhaps we can meet the Queen too."
Well, that's all Wyntere has to say about that.

Yeah, they had to make -something- that would take down an Aiel.

Don't forget, they had their 'Coon huntin dogs.

Did they have the inbreeding, too?

Depends on what area you go to. The northern half isn't inbred, but the
southern half, near Mexicoco is.

Mexicoco is also the leading exporter of Opium and a yet to be discovered
drug known only as "The Weed".

Oooh, The Weeeeeeeed... Dude!

Toke up, y'all.

Uh... yeah?

Katelynn follows just as silently, and once in the waiting room shrugs off
her cloak and hangs it where they are meant to be hung. Now it is openly
apparent to all what she is. So maybe they'll leave her and her party alone
and let them get their work done. She looks to Wyntere in silent agreement.
She isn't angry with Kyleigh so much as worried about her. Although, of
course, they won't leave Aelgar without her... This is likely to be
difficult.

Ogiean takes his coat off and sets it next to the others. Before putting it
down he makes a slight and silent show to Wyntere of where he kept his
dagger hidden. He then settles back in line behind the two women and begins
wondering if there's some way to get their gazes in metal form. Just
imagine the cutting strength!

It doesn't take very long before the door opens again and Kyleigh enters,
followed by Neelkan of all people. Oh wait, that's not that wierd actually.
The captain starts to step in as well but 'Amalthea' just glances at her
and arches an eyebrow and the woman stops, and decides to wait outside
after all. Once the door is closed though Kyleigh launches herself at
Wyntere and hugs her tightly and stubbornly enough that it might just take
a crowbar to pry her loose. She doesn't say a word, she's just so happy
that her 'mom' is here. Besides, she already made her apologies in the
dream. Somehow she looks a little... older, a little more mature and while
she's not up to Aes Sedai standards, and not nearly as stately as Wyntere
or Katelynn, there is definately something about her that seems to be
approaching that.

Here's Neelkan! Temporary Royal Bodyguard for the princess. And guess what?
He's actually wearing some semi-fancy clothing. Shocker, ain't it? He looks
a little sheepish at the sight of the two women, and especially at the
sight of Wyntere, but he does offer a very small grin. Finally, the cavalry
has arrived! He won't have to bite Ky anymore. *whew* He watches her launch
herself at the woman, and says nothing. Yup, that's right. Neelkan's being
/quiet/. Did this trip make him more of the ideal Warder?

There went Wyntere's cover. I forgot that novice can feel Wyntere form a
mile away. Stinkin' side effect of healing. Wyntere's hood falls back off
her head as Kyleigh comes to her. Wyntere's face melts at the hug though as
the Asha'toh wraps her arms around Kyleigh, not letting the girl go. "You
ready to go, Kyleigh? Katelynn is here to work things out between the King
and Queen for you to be released to us. Then we can get you back and
advance your training." Wyntere's smiling from ear to ear. Nope, she's not
mad at all. Glancing up to Neelkan, Wyntere's blue eyes start twinkling.
"Wow... Neelkan, that's... You look just divine in those clothes." Wyntere
notices Ogiean and nods to him as well. "Ogiean, this is novice Kyleigh and
Gaidin Neelkan. Ogiean came with us to help protect everyone. Now that we
have you, let's get home. What do you all say?" She glances around the
room. Yes, in and out operation.

Katelynn blinks and then smiles. They look none the worse for wear...
actually, they both look good, very good, but that desperately happy hug is
a good sign. It means Ky has had enough playing around. Then she can do her
little negotiation thing, perhaps employ an Illusion weave or two, and they
can go home. "It is good to see you again, Kyleigh. Hello Neelkan. I trust
you two have been behaving?" The twinkle, back in her eye, means that yes,
she is teasing. Now that they're alone. This is Wyntere's territory. She's
just here for the girl to whom everyone seems to have taken an interest in.
Maybe they all needed a challenge? ;)

So, these are the two. And in Aelgar! Hmm... much less believable than my
story, Ogiean thinks. He returns the Amyrilin's nod and seems to perk up
slightly at the mention of negotiations and royalty. "Ah, this has been a
great little jaunt with a happy ending in the works. I'm glad I could
accompany you and be of service." He bobs his head in Wyntere's direction.

Kyleigh releases her death grip on Wyntere a little and steps back a pace,
blinking at her. "I can't... I thought we talked about this... Mareka and I
had a deal..." Believe you me, she -wants- to go home, believe it or not.
But also believe it or not... she's aquired a modicum of responsibility
during this little adventure, even if it is a little misdirected. "They
need me here... I promised..." Surely they're not going to make her go back
on her word are they...? She just barely glances at the others accompanying
her 'mom' and frowns just a little. It's more of a worried frown than her
usual scowl though.

The grin widens a little bit and Neelkan bobs his head lightly, but still,
no bows of respect to either of the women. Or the man either. But then, the
bob of his head is about as much as any of them could expect, right? He
chuckles a little at Kate asking if they've been good. "O'course." At
Wyntere mentioning his clothing he shrugs, "'ey made me. Not 'at there was
anythin' wrong with m' normal clothes!" When Ky starts to protest with Wyn
he frowns a little bit, bunching his mouth up on one side.

Wyntere looks to Ogiean and nods. "Yes, this looks easy enough, but looks
can be deceiving." Just as that comes out, Kyleigh starts in with her
arguing. "Kyleigh, your life is in danger here. I'm taking you home. We
will make appropriate arrangements where your promise will be taken care
of. We did talk about this breifly. Did you find information for us?"
Wyntere leans against the wall watching Kyleigh a moment. "Kyleigh, you and
I are going to have a long talk when we get back. But for now, you are
property of the tower and -my- student. Daughter, your first responsibility
is to your training and the tower. All else, you can leave in our hands."
Wyntere looks up to Neelkan and nods. "No, the other clothes were fine, but
those look very nice on you." Hmm... what to do here?

Katelynn folds her arms and just listens for now. She is here to help
Wyntere, not to interfere. Besides, all she could do is agree. Which she
does through silence well enough. She will handle any arrangements
necessary, but she stands behind Wyntere on this one.

Ogiean decides to ignore the slight argument that's developing. Even if he
did interfere, what could he say? I agree with Wyntere cause she's my
"probation officer"? He starts to check out some of the trappings in the
room.

Kyleigh looks at Wyntere levelly, but instead of ranting and pouting and
scowling like she normally would she's completely calm as she argues her
side. "Mom," yes, she's actually calling her mom now. "I know. I have a
duty to you and the Tower, but I also have a duty to these people. If I go
now what is going to happen to them? If it's uncovered now that I'm not
Amalthea the country will go into chaos, there could even be a civil war,
and it certainly won't help the Tower's reputation any. Please, trust that
I know what I'm talking about, Mom. The people here aren't fond of Aes
Sedai anyway. If you take me away now it will only harm things. But if you
stay we might be able to find the Princess! I'm sure she's still alive, I
can -feel- it." A Foretelling? Not really, but somewhat close. "Just a few
days... please... if we don't find her by the end of the week I'll go back
with you without a fight." Holy flaming pigs snoots! Is this Kyleigh? She
-never- begs. And since when does she give a burning swallop what happens
to complete strangers?

"Property? She's no one's 'property' Wyn." Neelkan grumbles a little bit.
Sorry. He's touchie when it comes to people being refered to as property.
They can be duty-bound or hired or what not, but /property/... No. He
doesn't like that. Even if she does seem to agree with it. "I'm stayin'
'til she's ready t' go though." He promised to protect her until she got to
where she was going and was safe, so he's going to do so.

Wyntere raises an eyebrow to Neelkan. "Neelkan, she entered the tower under
my care. No, she isn't property like a book or anything. But her entering
into the novice dress makes her bound to the tower until such time when she
chooses to leave for good or obtains the shawl. She is to obey -all- Aes
Sedai. And my duty to her is to keep her safe. Neelkan, you are a Gaidin.
You should never have let her out of the tower. No matter what she told
you. She has been placed in danger and therefore needs to be returned to
the tower where she can finish her training." Then Wyntere turns to look at
Kyleigh. "Or do you choose to leave the tower for good and remain outside
it's walls never to become an Aes Sedai?" Then Wyntere looks to Katelynn.
"The child does have a point about this country not liking Aes Sedai. Do
you think we can find their Princess within a week? Is it possible? It
could be dangerous and we might end up calling upon your knowledge of a
Green. What do you say to what the child has mentioned to us?" Yes,
Wyntere's not very pleased right now. "What is best for the Tower in this
situation to your knowledge?" Glancing to Ogiean, "Sir, I think I can find
you daggers if things get serious. Are you ready to be tested by the Light?
You might just have to prove your devotion."

Katelynn frowns softly as she listens to Kyleigh. Hmm. This is indeed a
problem. And while she could -probably- do an Illusion of a Princess, it
would be seen through eventually. I mean, it wouldn't be alive. She smirks
softly at Neelkan's comment, though. So he hasn't changed that much. Yes,
he is infamous among a particular group of Aes Sedai for not being a
pushover like all other men, so she knows about him even though she doesn't
really know him. She fiddles with a bracelet, thinking. She would agree
with the badness of the property thing, but Wyntere does have a point. They
all stand by their beliefs that a Channeler without training is a danger to
herself and everyone around her. She needs to come home. Even if she is a
Wilder, and a genious. And a tough cookie, to boot. She thinks for a moment
before answering Wyntere's considerable question. "I think, Asha'toh, that
if we cannot find their Princess, then it is likely that no one can." She
looks to Wyn for a moment before continuing. "I relised when you first
asked me to come along that I might be called upon for my more pragmatic
skills as well as diplomatic ones. I am prepared for that." She looks to
Kyleigh. "The question is, are you willing to put your life at risk along
with us?" She already knows the answer. But it takes guts to say it. She
glances back to Wyntere, her look asking plainly 'What choice have we?'

Ogiean smiles and follows it up with a quick bob of the head. He's far more
respectful than his first meeting in the tower. "Trial by fire, eh?" he
bobs his head again. "I am at your service." What other choice does he
have?

Kyleigh clenches her teeth slightly at Wyntere's words, both those
addressed to her, and the ones addressed to Kate as if she wasn't even
there, as well as being referred to as child. Was she maybe expecting a
little praise for actually being somewhat responsible? Not expecting it so
much as... daring to hope that it would be there. "If that's what it
takes," she replies to Wyntere's question about forsaking the Tower
altogether and some of her old stubborness enters her voice with the reply.
What's worse though is that stubborness is backed by the belief that what
she's doing is -right-, which is just going to make her all the more
recalcitrant. Since it's been made fairly clear that she's not actually
going to have say in this she's just going to fold her arms across her
chest and look at the two Aes Sedai and await their decision. She's said
her piece.

"Whate'er. I don't need t' be told what t' d', Wyn. She was unhappy, 'n she
wanted t' leave. Yeah, I helped 'er, but I'd d' the same thin' 'gain. I
don't think anyone should be forced t' stay somewhere 'ey don't. Ya should
be happy I took 'er outta 'ere, 'cause the way it sounds she has a lot more
of a bloody appreciation f'r the flamin' Tower now." Neelkan almost sounds
hurt though, but why is probably no one's business but his. "'n I have kept
'er safe." Yup. He definately wasn't that happy with being told he was
wrong in the matter. Would it have been better to let her stay in the Tower
and be completely depressed over Light knows what? Either way, he isn't
sticking around to hear a response, so he just says to Ky, "I'll b' outside
if ya need m'." and turns around and heads out to brood sullenly. Grrr.
Women.

You have the choice of um... being taken prison again, Ogiean. Or staying
in this light forbidden Country. Well, Aelgar is of the light, but Wyntere
hates the country. Wyntere glances to Neelkan. "There are ways out of the
Tower. We can discuss this when we get back to the Tower or later if we
stay here." At this point Wyntere moves to sit down on a couch. As she sits
the Mother's Stole peeps out from under her cloak. Wyntere looks to Kyleigh
now, "Kyleigh, you think long and hard before making that decision. Is that
truly what you want? If so, once the princess is found, Katelynn, Neelkan,
and I will go home and leave you to go where you wish and I'll sign you out
of training. If that is what you wanted to begin with, you only needed to
come talk to me. Never have I denied you that which was best for you. Never
have I not listened to your words and heard you out. In fact, when you
needed outside the walls, I took you outside the walls. So consider your
decision carefully for it will be a final one if you chose to leave."
Wyntere's words are a bit harsh, but that's cause her heart is breaking
inside at the thought of losing Kyle. The Asha'toh glances back up to
Katelynn, "It looks like we are staying longer than we planned. We shall go
find more clothes later for everyone unless the King will be so kind to
loan us a few dresses and clothes for our companions." Wyntere glances to
Ogiean, "You and I will go find you daggers tomorrow. You're right, trial
by fire. And I warn you, one act of violence towards any and you'll wish
you'd never met me." Very well, Wyntere takes a deep breath. She hates
being away from the tower. And much more hates being in this country where
she was raised or... not raised.

Katelynn sighs internally. This is not going well. They are all hurt and
upset and afraid, Wyntere and Kyleigh and Neelkan, and they're coming up
against one another and it's just bad. Kyleigh can't leave the Tower. They
all know that Wyntere won't let that happen, among other people. But it
shows how much Ky cares about her new responsibility. As far as Kate's
concerned, it's the first thing she's really been shown to care about at
all. And as for Neelkan, well, granted things would've been nicer if he'd
told somebody before he left with her, but, well, she also knows how things
like this can go. Badly, usually. So he came along, even though he knew it
was wrong, because trying to talk Kyleigh out of something once she's made
up her mind is like trying to remove cynicism about women from Neelkan.
It's just not going to happen. He went along to keep her safe. And
apparently has been doing alright. At least, they're both well, even if an
attempt was made. Credit to them both. And clearly they are both ready to
come home and be good. But there's this civl unrest thing... But Wyntere is
hurting. She knows that. It's all been too much. She grimaces, and speaks
up. "Wyntere. Kyleigh. Stop this. It is a bad sitation, and you are both
overworked and worried. But we can fix it. I know we can. You, Wyntere, are
the Asha'toh, and you, Kyleigh, have been acting as the princess of a
powerful nation for some time now. You are both strong, intelligent women,
and you love each other, and if you can't get this worked out right now and
stop this talk about leaving the Tower and throwing away everything you've
worked for, then I truly despair for the Light." She looks at both of them.
Harsh words have come from them both. Emotions always make everything more
complicated. Light, doesn't Kate know it. Now make up, you sillies, and
let's get this done. We have work to do.